🎉 Introduction
Cannoli Bites are a fun, easy twist on the classic Italian dessert, delivering all the creamy, chocolate-studded goodness of traditional cannoli in a simple, bite-sized form. With crisp pastry shells and a smooth ricotta-mascarpone filling, these little treats are perfect for parties, holidays, dessert tables, or anytime you want something elegant without a lot of effort.
What makes these cannoli bites especially appealing is how approachable they are. Using a premade pie crust keeps things quick and stress-free, while the creamy filling feels rich, light, and perfectly balanced. Beautiful to serve and easy to eat, these cannoli-style dessert bites are always a crowd favorite.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small round cutter or glass
- Mini muffin tin
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Spoon or piping bag
- Cooling rack
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 premade pie crust
- ½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup mascarpone cheese
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Roll out the premade pie crust on a flat surface and cut it into small circles using a round cutter or glass.
Step 3: Gently press each dough circle into the cavities of a mini muffin tin to form small shells.
Step 4: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the shells are lightly golden and crisp.
Step 5: Remove the shells from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the tin.
Step 6: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and mascarpone cheese.
Step 7: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 8: Fold in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Step 9: Spoon or pipe the filling into the cooled pastry shells, filling each one generously.
Step 10: Arrange the cannoli bites on a serving platter and serve immediately or chill briefly before serving.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 18–24 cannoli bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: About 30 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Store filled cannoli bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For best texture, fill the shells close to serving time.
- Reheating is not recommended.
🥄 Variations
- Add citrus zest for a fresh flavor twist.
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
- Dip the edges in melted chocolate and let set before filling.
- Add finely chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Use a flavored extract for a subtle variation.
❓ 10 FAQs
- Do these taste like traditional cannoli?
Yes, they capture the creamy filling and crisp shell flavor. - Can I make the shells ahead of time?
Yes, bake and store them unfilled for up to 2 days. - Should ricotta be drained?
Light draining helps keep the filling thick. - Can I pipe the filling?
Yes, piping gives a clean, professional look. - Are these good for parties?
Absolutely, they’re perfect bite-sized desserts. - Can I make them sweeter?
Add a bit more powdered sugar to taste. - Do the shells stay crisp?
Best when filled shortly before serving. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it scales very well. - Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, they’re a hit with all ages. - Can I freeze them?
Freezing is not recommended for best texture.
🏁 Conclusion
These Cannoli Bites offer all the charm of a classic dessert in a simple, modern format. Crispy shells, creamy filling, and little bursts of chocolate make them irresistible and easy to love. Perfect for entertaining or treating yourself, these bite-sized cannoli prove that elegant desserts don’t have to be complicated.
Cannoli Bites – Crispy, Creamy, and Perfectly Bite-Sized
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Notes
Yes, they capture the creamy filling and crisp shell flavor. Can I make the shells ahead of time?
Yes, bake and store them unfilled for up to 2 days. Should ricotta be drained?
Light draining helps keep the filling thick. Can I pipe the filling?
Yes, piping gives a clean, professional look. Are these good for parties?
Absolutely, they’re perfect bite-sized desserts. Can I make them sweeter?
Add a bit more powdered sugar to taste. Do the shells stay crisp?
Best when filled shortly before serving. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it scales very well. Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, they’re a hit with all ages. Can I freeze them?
Freezing is not recommended for best texture. 🏁 Conclusion
These Cannoli Bites offer all the charm of a classic dessert in a simple, modern format. Crispy shells, creamy filling, and little bursts of chocolate make them irresistible and easy to love. Perfect for entertaining or treating yourself, these bite-sized cannoli prove that elegant desserts don’t have to be complicated.
